Ranking the top 30 shooting guards in the NBA
player. 211. . SG. Memphis Grizzlies. Desmond Bane. 9
Top 30 NBA shooting guards — 9. Desmond Bane, Grizzlies
Desmond Bane was one of the NBA’s best shooters from day one. Now, he’s straight up the second star in Memphis’ offense. The second-year wing made an impressive leap, diversifying his scoring moves in the halfcourt and becoming a more reliable multi-positional defender. He can take over games without dribbling, very much in the Klay Thompson mold, but he’s proving he’s more than just a shooter too.
player. 64. . SG. Detroit Pistons. Cade Cunningham. 8
Top 30 NBA shooting guards — 8. Cade Cunningham, Pistons
The reigning No. 1 pick needed a few months to shake off his preseason ankle injury and find a rhythm. Once he did, Cade Cunningham was clearly the best rookie in the league and he elevated the shoddily built Pistons to borderline competency. A jumbo playmaker with 360-degree court vision and a dynamic pull-up game, Cunningham has already shown he can take over every facet of the game. If he gets more comfortable and efficient in year two, he could sneak into the All-Star conversation.
. SG. Golden State Warriors. Klay Thompson. 7. player. 41
Top 30 NBA shooting guards — 7. Klay Thompson, Warriors
Klay Thompson has struggled to return to pre-injury form, but that’s to be expected — he missed two years with two different lower leg injuries. That’s tough to recover from. Even in his current state, however, Thompson is giving defenses headaches with his masterful off-ball movement and crisp shooting stroke. By next season, he could be even closer to prime form.